How Many States Have a Rose as Their Official Flower?
Several states in the United States have designated a rose or a specific type of rose as their official state flower. Here is a detailed count and information on these states:
What States Have a Rose as Their Official Flower?
According to the research, five states have a rose or a specific type of rose as their official state flower:
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Georgia
- Iowa
- North Dakota
- District of Columbia
What is the Official Rose for Each State?
New York
- State Flower: Rose
- Specific Type: The legislation does not specify a particular type of rose, allowing for any color or combination of colors common to roses.
- Date of Official Designation: 1955
- Historical Context: The rose was chosen for its universal symbolism of love and beauty.
Oklahoma
- State Flower: Oklahoma Rose
- Specific Type: While the specific type is not detailed, it is often associated with the general category of roses.
- Date of Official Designation: 2004
- Historical Context: The Oklahoma rose was chosen to represent the state’s rich floral heritage.
Georgia
- State Floral Emblem: Cherokee Rose
- Specific Type: Rosa laevigata
- Date of Official Designation: 1916
- Historical Context: The Cherokee Rose, although native to China, was introduced to the United States in the 1700s and became widespread in Georgia. It has a rich history with the state and the Native American Cherokee people.
Iowa and North Dakota
- State Flower: Wild Prairie Rose
- Specific Type: Rosa arkansana or Rosa blanda
- Date of Official Designation:
- Iowa: 1897
- North Dakota: 1907
- Historical Context: The Wild Prairie Rose was chosen for its hardiness and ability to thrive in the harsh, dry landscapes of these states.
District of Columbia
- State Flower: American Beauty Rose
- Specific Type: Rosa
- Date of Official Designation: 1925
- Historical Context: The American Beauty Rose is a well-known and admired rose variety, symbolizing beauty and elegance.
What are the Legislative Details and State-Specific Events for These Roses?
- New York: While there are no specific legislative details or state-specific events solely dedicated to the rose, the state’s rose gardens are popular tourist attractions.
- Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Rose is celebrated as part of the state’s broader floral heritage, but there are no specific annual events or legislative details solely focused on this flower.
- Georgia: The Cherokee Rose is deeply ingrained in Georgia’s history and is often featured in historical and cultural events. However, there are no annual state-specific events dedicated solely to this flower.
- Iowa and North Dakota: The Wild Prairie Rose is celebrated as part of the natural beauty of these states, but there are no specific annual events or legislative details solely focused on this flower.
- District of Columbia: The American Beauty Rose is part of the broader floral culture in the District of Columbia, but there are no specific annual events or legislative details solely dedicated to this flower.
Reference:
- [The Rose – National Flower – State Symbols USA][1]
- [List of U.S. state and territory flowers][2]
- [The 50 Official State Flowers of America][3]
